Allergic reactions to nickel, or to any other metal, are rare. Nickel is used in most wedding rings because it is an important component of most modern jewelry, and is also very common in nature.
However, the use of nickel in all jewelry can lead to allergies if a person is allergic to nickel. The specific reactions are typically localized reactions around the site of the jewelry; there are no systemic effects and there is no need for medical attention.
How to Know You’re Allergic to Nickel
Here is a simple test that you can do to determine if you are allergic to nickel:
- Take a small piece of silver jewelry and rub it on your skin. If you have a reaction to the metal, there will be redness and itching around the area where the jewelry was rubbed. If there is no reaction, then you may be able to wear this type of jewelry.
There are many types of jewelry that do not contain nickel; however, many of these items are made from precious metals such as gold or silver, which may cause reactions for some people who are allergic to those metals.
- Here is another test that may help identify whether or not you are allergic to nickel: Using an allergy test kit, rub the inside of your wrist with an antihistamine cream such as Benadryl.
After 15 minutes, check for a rash around your wrist by gently rubbing it with a cotton swab. If you have a reaction, you will probably see a rash on your wrist after 15 minutes. If there is no reaction, then you may be able to wear nickel-free jewelry.
- The only way to know for sure if you are allergic to nickel is to do allergy testing. A doctor can perform allergy testing, and most medical offices offer this service for a small fee. The test results will give the doctor an idea of whether or not you are allergic to nickel and can help determine what type of jewelry would be safe for you to wear.
You can find a wide variety of wedding rings without nickel, and many of these items are made from different materials. The materials used in the wedding rings may include sterling silver, rose gold, palladium, white gold, rhodium, platinum and stainless steel.
There are also many types of gemstones that can be used for the wedding rings; you can choose from diamonds, rubies or sapphires. Another alternative is to use jewelry with a design that does not contain any metal at all.
Some people who are allergic to nickel may still be able to wear jewelry made from other metals or materials; however, there are some items that should not be worn because they may contain nickel.
Items such as costume jewelry and jewelry made with pearls should not be worn by people who have allergies to nickel because the pearl is often made from plastic and the item may contain small amounts of nickel.
Julie
Julie is an editor and writer who loves to write about getting engaged and wedding preparations. She’s also a wedding photographer on the side. Julie received her degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. Julie lives in Texas with her husband and their three kids. As a couple they enjoy spending time on Texas’ South Padre Island beaches, and they also love to hike in the Texas Hill Country. As well as being parents to kids, Julie and her husband are also pet parents to two dogs, three cats, and a 50 gallon tank of beautiful tropical fish.
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